Condensed Matter Physics
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1FA526
- Code
- 1FA526
- Education cycle
- First cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics G2F
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 3 February 2026
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
60 credits. Quantum Physics, Computer Programming 1.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Describe interatomic bonding and packing in crystals
- Identify basic crystal structures
- Interpret and explain scattering experiments in crystals
- Describe and explain the reciprocal space
- Describe basic excitations in a material and how they can be described by quasiparticles
- Explain electrical and optical properties based on electronic structure
- Explain the microscopic origins of thermal conductivity
- Explain basic mechanical properties starting from interatomic bonding
- Perform calculations and simulations of properties in condensed matter
- Apply concepts relevant to the course to challenges in condensed matter physics.
Content
Condensed Matter:
- Bonding and the formation of condensed matter
- Order and structure of solid matter
- Emergence of collective phenomena in condensed matter
Reciprocal Space:
- Short- and long-range order, scattering
- Reciprocal space and Brillouin zones
- Phonons and lattice vibrations
- Band structure for free and nearly free electrons
Electrical, Magnetic, and Optical Properties:
- Electronic structure and the emergence of metals, semiconductors, and insulators
- Magnetism and classification of ferro-, ferri- and antiferromagnetic order
Thermal and Mechanical Properties:
- Compressibility and bonding
- Thermal conductivity from vibrations and electrons
Instruction
Lectures, tutorials, laborations and seminars. Project related to current research in the area. In the course, subject-integrated communication training with feedback and self-assessment is included.
Assessment
Assignments and laboratory reports, oral exam and project presentation and written report.
If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.